European journal of clinical investigation
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Oct 2024
ReviewCOVID-19 vaccine adverse events: Evaluating the pathophysiology with an emphasis on sulfur metabolism and endotheliopathy.
In this narrative review, we assess the pathophysiology of severe adverse events that presented after vaccination with DNA and mRNA vaccines against COVID-19. The focus is on the perspective of an undersulfated and degraded glycocalyx, considering its impact on immunomodulation, inflammatory responses, coagulation and oxidative stress. ⋯ The common thread connecting these adverse events is endotheliopathy or glycocalyx degradation, caused by depleted glutathione and inorganic sulfate levels, shear stress from circulating nanoparticles, aggregation and formation of protein coronas; leading to imbalanced immune responses and chronic release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, ultimately resulting in oxidative stress and systemic inflammatory response syndrome. By understanding the underlying pathophysiology of severe adverse events, better treatment options can be explored.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Oct 2024
ReviewEmerging clinical role of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibition-Part two: Current and emerging concepts in the clinical use of PCSK9 inhibition.
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors have emerged as a novel class of drugs with cardioprotective effects through their lipid-lowering effects. ⋯ PCSK9 inhibition shows promise not only in lipid metabolism but also in other disease processes, including atherosclerotic plaque remodeling, acute coronary syndrome, stroke, inflammation, and immune response.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Oct 2024
Review Meta AnalysisAssociation between blood Pentraxin-3 concentrations and rheumatic diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Among the Pentraxins, the long Pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) is associated with several processes, particularly in the earliest phases of the innate humoral response. Increased blood PTX-3 concentrations have been observed in a wide range of conditions, from infectious to cardiovascular disorders. Since its increase is more rapid than C-reactive protein (CRP), PTX-3 can be useful to detect and monitor early inflammation. To dissect its pathophysiological role in rheumatic diseases (RD), we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing blood PTX-3 concentrations in RD patients and healthy individuals and investigating possible associations with clinical, demographic, and study characteristics. ⋯ Our study has shown a significant increase in blood PTX-3 concentrations in RD patients, which was associated with specific patient characteristics. Nevertheless, additional studies are needed to better define the utility of measuring PTX-3 in the early phase of RD. Our study was conducted in compliance with the PRISMA 2020 statement (study protocol available at PROSPERO CRD42024516600).
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Oct 2024
Review Meta AnalysisEffect of adding PCSK9 inhibitors to lipid-lowering interventions on arterial stiffness: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Atherosclerosis, a leading cause of mortality, necessitates effective management of hypercholesterolemia, specifically elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The emergence of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) has revolutionised lipid-lowering. PCSK9i demonstrates substantial LDL-C reduction and cardiovascular benefits, particularly in statin-intolerant or nonresponsive individuals. However, the potential pleiotropic effects of PCSK9i, especially on arterial stiffness, remain a subject of investigation. This systematic review and meta-analysis seek to provide a nuanced understanding of the potential pleiotropic effects of PCSK9i, specifically on arterial health. The primary objective was to analyse the influence of PCSK9i on arterial stiffness, extending beyond traditional lipid-lowering metrics and contributing to a more comprehensive approach to cardiovascular risk reduction. ⋯ The meta-analysis provides robust evidence that adding PCSK9i to lipid-lowering interventions significantly improves arterial stiffness, indicating broader vascular benefits beyond LDL-C reduction.
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For decades standard teaching recommended salt intake (sodium) reduction in patients suffering from heart failure. Neurohumoral activation with subsequent fluid retention provided a solid rationale for this long-standing recommendation. Until recently no large randomized clinical trial of sodium restriction was available, while some observational studies and metanalyses even suggested a worse outcome with strict sodium restriction in patients with heart failure. ⋯ Morbidity and mortality are not reduced with sodium restriction in patients with heart failure, although some symptomatic improvement may be expected.